Multimedia Journalism - Exam 1 Study Guide

The mid-term exam is scheduled for Mar. 11 in the classroom. Make sure to read over all assigned chapters in the textbook and review your notes in class. The study guide is a tool to help you focus on the most relevant material, but is not a replacement for seven weeks of study. Be prepared to write a story in broadcast style. Questions on the exam will generally be limited to the following areas:

Make sure to go over notes in class and demonstrations.  Test is over chapters 1-3, 5, 6, 8 & 12 & notes 
(The syllabus did not list chapter 6, but it is included.)

In general:

  1. How does story structure differ between print and broadcast?
  2. What does "conversational tone" mean in terms of broadcast news?
  3. How do news writers use the present tense to make stories seem up-to-date?
  4. How should people in stories be referred to? Titles? Attribution? Ages?
  5. How does punctuation differ in its use in broadcast copy?
  6. How should quotations be handled in broadcast writing?
  7. How important is video in choosing stories for television?What does "gatekeeping" mean?
  8. Describe the Page F Test.
  9. What are the main guidelines in writing leads? 
  10. What three questions should the reporter ask him/herself to help discover the "present tense" in a story?
  11. Be familiar with the types of leads - be prepared to identify the them.
  12. What are the things a reporter should say upfront in an interview situation?
  13. Go over summaries, words in bold, and guidelines listed in each chapter.
  14. What are the types of TV news stories found in a newscast?
  15. How can a reporter use sound to create atmosphere and credibility?
  16. What are the various types of television news stories?
  17. What are the issues involved when writing to video?
  18. How should one introduce a soundbite?
  19. Go over summaries at end of chapter.
  20. What is a standup - what is its purpose in the story?
  21. What does it mean to connect the writing to the visuals?
  22. What is a dynamic standup - can you describe some ideas that create one?
  23. In TV news - what is a donut?
  24. What are the terms used in broadcast news?
  25. Be prepared to write a news story including indirect lead-in's to soundbites in broadcast style.

Make sure to go over notes in class and demonstrations. [back to top]